FA LA LA FONDUES

Celebrate the season with a new chorus of decadent fondues and dippers. Suzanne Fanning, the editor-in-chief of Grate. Pair. Share., gives us a peek into her family’s most delicious and cherished Christmas Eve tradition.

DIP INTO A NEW TRADITION

Family rituals connect us to those we love, as well as give meaning to our most important moments. This is especially true during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

“Growing up a military brat meant a new house and new friends almost every year,” shares Su. “But an incredible peacefulness came with each holiday season, when my family gathered around the piano to sing the same songs, put out the same decorations and enjoyed the same holiday meal. It was when I became a mother that I knew I wanted to establish traditions with my own family.”

For Su, lasting holiday traditions center around great food. “Christmas comes with an avalanche of food experiences— from the dozens of cookies we start baking weeks in advance to planning the most insane Christmas Day brunch production imaginable,” says Su. “By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, it’s party time! I wanted a meal that was easy, festive and ‘dripping’ with family fun. That’s how family fondue night was born.”

PLAN A SEASONAL SPREAD

Planning a holiday fondue night takes a little forethought but that’s half the fun! Follow these tips to create a memorable meal your family will be asking for year after year.

FINALIZE YOUR FONDUES. From cheesy to chocolatey, endless fondue options abound. “My family has our favorite fondues, such as the recipes we’re sharing on pages 43-48. We also add new fondues every year like raspberry fondue served with cakes, brownies and fruits,” says Su.

DECIDE ON DIPPERS. Add variety and color and buy only high-quality accompaniments. For cheese fondues, consider an array of fresh and blanched vegetables, cooked meats and breads. “I add new, outrageous dippers every year, from truffle parmesan fries to cooked brats, steak bites and more,” shares Su. Consider how your dipping options will look together. You’re aiming for an arrangement that’s beautiful and bountiful.

VARY YOUR VESSELS. Get a classic look and let the food steal the show by using all-white serveware. Or mix and match items like mason jars, cutting boards, platters, small serving plates and bowls for a more eclectic look.

DON’T FORGET THE DRINKS. Create a signature cocktail to savor or serve beer, prosecco or chilled white wine with cheese fondues. Red wine, bourbon or dark beer pair well with dessert fondues.

KNOW YOUR CHEESE

Cheese matters when it comes to fondue. Use handcrafted cheeses and shred your own. Often store-bought shredded cheeses have anticaking ingredients that interfere with melting and a smooth consistency. That said, make sure the cheeses you choose are ones that melt well. Cheeses like Decatur Dairy Stettler Swiss cheese or Kingston Creamery Amish Heritage™ Gorgonzola Cheese blended with Crystal Farms Original Cream Cheese are great choices.

Shred or grate cheeses cold for easier handling. A food processor works well, especially if you’re grating large amounts. Before preparing the fondue, bring the shredded cheeses to room temperature for quicker melting. This will help prevent clumping and a greasy texture. Gradually whisk in cheeses when melting at the end of the cooking process.

PUT PREP IN YOUR STEP

For a stress-free fondue night, allow yourself plenty of time to prepare before you present. A few hours the night before or early in the day ought to do it.

“I blanch all the veggies and cut everything into bite-sized pieces beforehand, so I can put it all together like I’m laying out a giant cheese board just before the event,” shares Su.

Store prepped ingredients in food storage containers or on plates, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator just before you’re ready to reveal your holiday feast.

Fondues are best when made just before serving.